McDowell Center for Children

McDowell Center for Children Full and half-day programs are offered at McDowell’s satellite outpatient location.

McDowell Center is a 28-bed residential treatment facility located in Dyersburg, Tennessee, for adolescent males experiencing mental health, behavioral, and/or substance abuse issues. The Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at McDowell Center for Children is a comprehensive, outpatient program designed individually to meet each patient’s specific psychiatri

c illness, behavioral problems and/or substance abuse issues. The program is less intensive than inpatient psychiatric services; however, the program provides more structure and intervention than an individual would receive in an outpatient setting. The programs offer a variety of groups and intervention services, each tailored to meet the need of the individual.

We had a wonderful Easter weekend at McDowell. Our amazing staff came together to make it special by filling eggs, prepa...
04/08/2026

We had a wonderful Easter weekend at McDowell. Our amazing staff came together to make it special by filling eggs, preparing food and firing up the grill for our patients. It was a joyful weekend filled with smiles and celebration.

A special thank you to Ultimate Gavel for the generous Easter bag and basket donations. We truly appreciate your support.

Our clinical team showed up all throughout March to recognize Social Work Awareness Month. This group represents teamwor...
04/07/2026

Our clinical team showed up all throughout March to recognize Social Work Awareness Month. This group represents teamwork, compassion and commitment in action. We’re grateful for each of these amazing women and the impact they make on our patients and our program every day. We truly couldn’t do this work without you.

Thank you for all that you do!

On April 2, we recognized Autism Awareness Day in a meaningful and engaging way. Our staff gathered patients for a hands...
04/06/2026

On April 2, we recognized Autism Awareness Day in a meaningful and engaging way. Our staff gathered patients for a hands‑on activity where they decorated cupcakes while also taking part in a lesson focused on autism awareness.

We’re proud to create spaces where patients can learn, grow and celebrate what makes each person unique.

As we close out the month, we want to share our appreciation for the incredible therapists here at McDowell. Each day, y...
03/31/2026

As we close out the month, we want to share our appreciation for the incredible therapists here at McDowell. Each day, you show up with compassion, patience and steady dedication to the youth and families we serve. The work you do is not always easy, but it is always meaningful and it makes a lasting difference.

We see you. We appreciate you. We’re grateful for you today and every day!

Our staff went above and beyond by serving a home‑cooked meal that looked amazing and creating a full Soda Pop Shop with...
03/30/2026

Our staff went above and beyond by serving a home‑cooked meal that looked amazing and creating a full Soda Pop Shop with flavored drinks for patients to enjoy. From mashed potatoes and roast to fresh corn and sweet treats, every detail was handled with care and heart.

Our patients enjoyed the beautiful weather by spending time outside with art therapy and self‑expression activities. Fro...
03/25/2026

Our patients enjoyed the beautiful weather by spending time outside with art therapy and self‑expression activities. From chalk drawings to creative designs, they had the chance to relax, express themselves and simply be kids for a while.

Moments like these matter, giving them a safe space to create, connect and enjoy the little things.

We are feeling extra lucky this week! We are so grateful to have such an amazing team here at McDowell. Our staff go abo...
03/23/2026

We are feeling extra lucky this week! We are so grateful to have such an amazing team here at McDowell. Our staff go above and beyond every single day to create fun, meaningful, and engaging activities for our patients, and it truly shows.

For St. Patrick’s Day, the energy was all smiles, laughter and lots of green as both staff and kids joined in on the fun. We couldn’t ask for a better team to celebrate with! 🍀💚

Uh oh! A sneaky leprechaun passed through McDowell last night and accidentally dropped pieces of his Golden Mindfulness ...
03/18/2026

Uh oh! A sneaky leprechaun passed through McDowell last night and accidentally dropped pieces of his Golden Mindfulness Treasure. He left clues so kind-hearted students could help him get them back!

Each station holds a magical gold coin and a special task that will test your teamwork, kindness and focus. Work together, complete the challenges and collect as many coins as you can.

When your journey ends, return the treasure to earn rewards from the leprechaun's Pot o' Prizes! 🍀✨

We had a great time doing arts and crafts with our patients this past weekend! 🎨Art therapy is a powerful tool that help...
03/11/2026

We had a great time doing arts and crafts with our patients this past weekend! 🎨

Art therapy is a powerful tool that helps patients express emotions, reduce stress and build coping skills in a creative, supportive environment. Watching our patients engage and create was truly inspiring.

Thank you to our team for making these therapeutic activities so meaningful! 💙

Our residents had a great time combining creativity and cooking during this week's Fun Friday activity. They designed th...
03/10/2026

Our residents had a great time combining creativity and cooking during this week's Fun Friday activity. They designed their own pizza box artwork and then made personal pizzas with the toppings of their choice. 🍕

Activities like this give our residents a chance to:
• Express themselves through art.
• Practice decision-making and creativity.
• Learn basic cooking and life skills.
• Enjoy time together in a fun, positive environment.

At McDowell, we celebrate Black History Month by honoring the strength, resilience and leadership of Black individuals w...
02/12/2026

At McDowell, we celebrate Black History Month by honoring the strength, resilience and leadership of Black individuals who have shaped our nation and continue to inspire future generations.

Our residents and staff are taking part in meaningful conversations, learning experiences and activities that highlight the powerful contributions of Black leaders, past and present.

At McDowell, our residents welcomed the new year by choosing one powerful word to guide them through the year ahead. Fro...
01/16/2026

At McDowell, our residents welcomed the new year by choosing one powerful word to guide them through the year ahead. From “Strength” to “Creation,” each word became the centerpiece of a personalized vision board, reflecting the qualities they hope to embody by the end of 2025.

Staff joined in by sitting with each resident and listening as they shared their word and the intention behind it. The conversations that followed were full of depth, hope and connection.

Address

711 Tennessee 3
Dyersburg, TN
38024

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About Us

The McDowell Center for Children, located in Dyersburg, Tennessee, is a psychiatric residential treatment facility that provides mental health and addiction services for adolescent males ages 12 to 17 who are experiencing mental health, behavioral, and/or substance abuse issues. Our mission is to deliver high-quality treatment, education, guidance, and encouragement for troubled adolescents as a trusted national provider of youth services. We understand that many adolescents referred to us have a long history of problematic behaviors at school, in the community, and in the family.

As a dedicated group of mental health providers, we believe there is hope for all young people, no matter what they’ve experienced in their past. Anyone can change, given the right guidance and structure, and we strive to provide the right mix of both at our facility. McDowell Center is here to offer hope, support, and care to adolescents and their families.

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